Fawad Khan, renowned Pakistani actor, has strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives and left several injured. Taking to Instagram, Khan expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling the incident “heinous” and extending heartfelt prayers to the victims and their families.
“Deeply saddened by the horrifying attack in Pahalgam. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families in this difficult time,” Khan wrote in his Instagram story.
‘Abir Gulaal’ Faces Backlash and Boycott Demands
Following the attack, Khan’s upcoming Bollywood film ‘Abir Gulaal’, a romantic comedy directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, has come under fire. Scheduled to release on May 9, 2025, the film marks Fawad Khan’s return to Indian cinema after nearly a decade. However, the growing tension has triggered widespread calls for a boycott of the movie.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reiterated its longstanding directive, urging complete non-cooperation with Pakistani actors, singers, and technicians across all Indian film and entertainment projects.
“In light of the recent attack, we are enforcing a blanket boycott on all Pakistani talent. Any member found collaborating will face strict disciplinary action,” FWICE stated in a formal release.
Bollywood Reacts: Co-Star Joins Khan in Mourning
Fawad Khan’s co-star Kapoor also addressed the tragedy on Instagram, sharing her own grief:
“At a loss for words. Completely gutted by the senseless violence in Pahalgam. Prayers for all the families affected.”
The backlash has already impacted the film, with some songs from ‘Abir Gulaal’ being removed from YouTube, further escalating tensions ahead of the release.
Legal Perspective and Industry Stance
Despite the FWICE’s pressure, an earlier ruling by the Bombay High Court dismissed legal efforts to officially ban Pakistani artists from Indian projects. However, unofficial restrictions have remained in place since the 2016 Uri terror attack.
Fawad Khan’s Career and Global Work
Khan, known for his critically acclaimed roles in Khoobsurat (2014) and Kapoor & Sons (2016), has built a strong global presence, featuring in international hits like Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel (2022) and Pakistan’s top-grossing film, The Legend of Maula Jatt (2022).
Meanwhile, Kapoor continues to shine in Indian cinema, with upcoming roles in Netflix’s Mandala Murders and Badtameez Gill.
Final Words
As ‘Abir Gulaal’ navigates controversy ahead of its release, the conversation around cross-border collaboration in cinema remains more sensitive than ever. Fawad Khan’s condemnation of the attack underscores his commitment to peace, but the Indian entertainment industry’s response reflects a growing tension between artistic collaboration and national sentiment.
